Senior Sutton police officers and Council officials came together to give their unanimous support for the work of Sutton's Street Pastors at the Pastor's official launch earlier this month.

Street Pastors have been out on the streets in Sutton once a month on Friday nights since mid-December. Working in co-operation of the local police and council, they have been a presence on the High Street, working in groups, providing a listening ear and support to anyone who needs them.

The launch was a way of the putting a Police and Council rubber stamp on the program, and gave all sides an opportunity to thank the Street Pastors for the work that they're doing.

Chief Inspector David Gair was so impressed with the work of the Street Pastors that he said he wanted to reach a stage where "Friday night was Street Pastor night".

Sean Brennan, Head of Sutton Council, was also full of praises as he reflected that while most people look forward to relaxing on a Friday night after a long week's work - the Street Pastors are patrolling the streets, devoting themselves, their talents and their time to local young people. He was pleased to add that Sutton Council supports the Street Pastors fully in their work.

Street Pastors are continuing to recruit new members from churches all over the Sutton area, hoping to have sufficient numbers eventually to provide patrols for every weekend of the year.